See also:
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RFID Tags
Like anything, you get what you pay for in
features, size, and functionality when you
purchase RFID tags. Tag prices are also depend
on quantity, especially on the lower-cost
tags (such as wristband tabs or smart label
tags).
When selecting tags, here are
some considerations:
- Tags are designed for different applications,
environmental conditions, size
requirements,
intended readers, and read
proximity. Passive
tags almost always have to
be read closely
(such as passing a card a few
inches from
a reader.) On the high end,
active tags imbedded
in a pallet of television sets
in a warehouse
can be read by a ceiling mounted
reader.
You should pick the type of
tag that fits
your product and its method
for reading and
inventory tracking.
- If you sell to large retailers, your tags
may have to meet their specifications. For
example, Wal-Mart has RFID requirements that
you must satisfy if you ship to them product
above a specific volume.
- If you ship globally, your tag should be
of the type and frequency range that is readable
domestically and overseas. Standards from
ISO, EPC, and especially EPCglobal(tm) promote
tag formats which have the most success being
encoded and read universally.
- The type of tag encoder you have will dictate
to some extent where you can
get tags. Review
your RFID encoder or encoder/printer manual to see what tag
standards are supported. You
may find that
the only ones that will reliably
work are
from the manufacturer of the
encoder or ones
that they have tested.
The internet has sites that feature warehouses
full of all kinds of tags. Some carry the
encoder/printers as well. Passive tags tend
to cost between $1 apiece for most applications,
but high quantities of inexpensive tags can
be had for as little as 10 cents apiece.
Discounts usually don't apply until you reach
10,000 tags in an order. |
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